The BMW 5 Series is an executive sedan that slots between the entry-level 3 Series sedan and the flagship 7 Series sedan. It combines luxury and family friendliness into one high-end package. Being a BMW it’s notable for its driving dynamics which are sharp and responsive.
In 2017 BMW launched the seventh generation of this executive sedan, with the first generation model starting way back in 1972. These early 5 Series were popular cars due to their blend of comfort and sport.
The BMW has a fairly conservative exterior, but the interior is offered with an array of nice finishes and appointments.
It’s also full of high tech features like gesture controls and a touch screen key that can show you information like fuel level, window, and lock status as well as allow you to park the car remotely.
The 5 Series fills a lot of space in the sedan segment, with humble 530i models that are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder to beastly sport focused M550i models with large V8 engines. There is also a 530e model with a plug-in powertrain. The mid-pack model is the 540i, which features a solid straight six-cylinder engine. All models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, and most models come standard with rear-wheel-drive, with BMW offering xDrive all-wheel-drive for an extra cost. Adrenaline junkies can sign up for the 600-horsepower, all-wheel-drive BMW M5, which isn’t covered here.
The BMW 5 Series is made at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Dingolfing, Germany alongside the BMW 4 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series.